Breaking Down Barriers: Unity in Christ
Ephesians 3:1-13 (ESV)
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you
Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was
given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have
written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of
Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has
now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that
the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise
in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was
given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the
saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of
Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for
ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom
of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly
places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ
Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through
our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which
is your glory.
Verses 1-3: Paul’s Imprisonment and Revelation
Verses 4-6: The Mystery of Christ (1)
Verses 7-9: Paul’s Ministry (2)
Verses 10-13: God’s Eternal Purpose (3)
Historical Context of 1st Century Ephesus
Ephesus: A major city in the Roman Empire, known for its diversity and the Temple of
Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Cultural and Social Barriers: Ephesus was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and
economic statuses, creating divisions among people.
Jews and Gentiles: The Jewish community often saw themselves as separate from
Gentiles, creating religious and social barriers.
The Mystery Revealed
• The mystery refers to God’s plan to include the Gentiles in His salvation through
Christ, breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians
2:14-16).
• This revelation signifies God’s inclusive plan and the universality of the gospel.
Paul Proclaiming Unity in Christ
• Paul’s ministry emphasizes that in Christ, all barriers are broken down, and all
believers are one body.
Page 2 of
• The church now a unified body of believers, irrespective of ethnic or cultural
backgrounds.
We are to Embrace Unity in Diversity
• Actively seek to break down barriers within the church community, whether
they are racial, cultural, socio-economic, or denominational.
• Emphasize common identity in Christ over differences.
Galatians 3:28 ESV
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is
no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Jesus prayed for this:
John 17:20-23 ESV
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me
through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in
me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may
believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I
have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in
them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the
world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
All for God’s Eternal Purpose and Glory
• The church is central to God’s plan to display His wisdom to the world and the
spiritual realm.
• Our unity and the breaking down of barriers within the church demonstrate God’s
manifold wisdom.
We are to proclaim the Inclusive Gospel
• Share the gospel with everyone, recognizing that it is meant for all people,
not just a select group.
Demonstrate God’s Wisdom Through Unity
John 13:35 (ESV)
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Ephesians 4:13 (ESV):
"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to
mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
Paul wrote this from prison… put there by the very people he preached to!
Be Encouraged by Paul’s Example…. Persevere
No comments:
Post a Comment